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Tips for Helping Your Dog and Guests Get Along

December 15, 2015

The holiday season is upon us! Many people have more visitors than usual during this special time of year. Fido can be a wonderful addition to any gathering, but you may want to take a few precautions to make sure things go smoothly. Below, a Newmarket, ON vet offers advice on helping your dog and guests get along.

Boundaries

Set some ground rules for how your guests and dogs will interact. If your guests are staying overnight, advise them to keep their door closed, so they don’t find your canine buddy sleeping on their bed, or worse, chewing their shoes. Ask your guests not to play rough with Fido, or discipline him if he misbehaves.

Food

Many of our favorite foods are dangerous to our canine buddies. Chocolate; macadamia nuts; grapes, currants, and raisins; and anything containing xylitol are a few of the most common ones. Don’t take any chances! Ask your guests not to feed Fido without your approval … even if he’s an expert beggar!

Allergies

If your guests have allergies, try to do what you can to make them comfortable. Give Fido a good bath and brushing, and thoroughly dust and vacuum your home, before they arrive. We also recommend changing your air filters.

Keeping Fido Calm

Is your pooch super-active? Before your guests arrive, take Fido out for a long walk, and indulge him with a vigorous play session. This will burn off some of that excess energy, leaving you with a calmer pooch. (Tip: A good puzzle toy will keep your pooch preoccupied and busy.)

Petiquette

Make sure that your dog knows and obeys the basic commands of good doggy obedience, which are Sit, Stay, Come, Heel, and Lay Down. If Fido tends to beg or jump on people, work with him to correct this bad habit, or contain him in a crate or a quiet back room as people are arriving. Long periods of confinement may make your pup unhappy and lonely, so, if needed, consider using a baby gate to keep him in another room. He’ll still be able to see, hear, and interact with you, but won’t be underfoot.

Happy Holidays! All of us here at your Newmarket, ON veterinary hospital want to wish you a wonderful holiday season. Please contact us with any question or concerns about your pet’s health or care.